A COUNTY Durham woman was fined £220 after dodging a £3.60 rail fare.

Gayle Thompson, 43, made the Northern Train journey from Seaham to Horden, in east Durham, on Sunday June 20.

She failed to pay the £360 fine and appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 18.

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She was unable to produce a ticket and said she did not have the money to purchase one. A man with whom she was travelling tried to purchase tickets but the payment was declined.

Following the incident, a letter was sent to the defendant requesting the fare only. However, no response was received and a fixed penalty notice was sent, which was unpaid.

The case was proved in absence.

Thompson, of Frederick Street, Seaham, was fined £220, told to pay compensation of £3.60, costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £34.

Meanwhile an 18-year-old was fined £220 for failing to pay for a journey between Redcar East and Saltburn.

Josh Smith, of Aire Street, Middlesbrough, made the journey on August 19.

The Northern Train fare should have been £3.40. However, he could not produce a ticket when asked and did not have money for one.

He was issued with an unpaid fares notice but failed to pay it.

The case was proved in his absence on January 18.

He was fined £220, told to pay £3.40 in compensation, costs of £150 and a £34 victim surcharge.

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